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'{{Short description|Fictional character in Mega Man}} {{About|the character|the series|Mega Man Zero}} {{DISPLAYTITLE:Zero (''Mega Man'')}} {{Infobox character | name = Zero | series = [[Mega Man]] | image = Zero-mmx.png | caption = Zero as he appears in ''[[Mega Man X5]]'' | firstgame = ''[[Mega Man X (video game)|Mega Man X]]'' (1993) | creator = [[Keiji Inafune]] | designer = Keiji Inafune<br /> Toru Nakayama (''Zero'' series) | voice = {{Collapsible list|title=[[English language|English]]|Wayne Doster (''Mega Man X4'')<ref name="gamesradar.com">{{cite web|url=https://www.gamesradar.com/losing-your-voice-x-characters-changed-actors/|title=Losing your voice - 10 characters that changed actors|publisher=GamesRadar|date=April 4, 2013|access-date=July 1, 2018}} A green check mark indicates that a role has been confirmed using a screenshot (or collage of screenshots) of a title's list of voice actors and their respective characters found in its opening and/or closing credits and/or other reliable sources of information.</ref>|Jack Merluzzi (''Mega Man X7'')<ref name="btva">{{cite web |title=Zero Voices (Mega Man) |url=https://www.behindthevoiceactors.com/characters/Mega-Man/Zero/ |website=Behind The Voice Actors |access-date=25 June 2021}}</ref>|Lucas Gilbertson (2004–2006)<ref name="btva"/>|Jamie West (''Mega Man ZX Advent'')|[[Johnny Yong Bosch]] (2011–present)<ref name="btva"/>}}{{Collapsible list|title=[[Japanese language|Japanese]]|[[Ryōtarō Okiayu]] (1997–present)<ref name="btva"/>|[[Yūto Kazama]] (''Mega Man Zero'' series, ''SvC Chaos'')<ref name="btva"/>}} | species = [[Android (robot)|Android]] | weapon = Z saber [[sword]] and many vulnerable weapons }} {{nihongo|'''Zero'''|ゼロ|lead=yes}} is a video game [[character (arts)|character]] present throughout much of [[Capcom]]'s [[Mega Man|''Mega Man'' franchise]], who debuted in the [[Mega Man X|''Mega Man X'' series]]. He is an android and an elite member of the Maverick Hunters, an organization dedicated to defending humanity from rogue Reploids known as [[List of Mega Man characters#Mavericks|Mavericks]]. Zero also acts as a mentor and longtime friend to [[X (Mega Man)|X]], the main protagonist of the ''X'' series. He is also the [[title character|titular]] [[main protagonist]] of the [[Mega Man Zero|''Mega Man Zero'' series]], and has a supporting role in other series in the franchise, such as the [[Mega Man ZX|''Mega Man ZX'' series]]. He has also appeared in crossover video games as a guest character. First developed by [[Keiji Inafune]] when he was attempting to create a new design for the ''X'' series, Zero was instead used as a secondary character. In the ''Zero'' series (developed by [[Inti Creates]]), he was the [[protagonist]] and had a change in his design that was meant to impart a more "human feel" to him. He also has a minor role in the ''ZX'' series as Model Z. His inclusion in the ''Mega Man X'' series has generally received positive critical response from reviewers. His story within the ''Mega Man Zero'' series received similar response, partly because he became more darker and mature compared to previous ''Mega Man'' characters. ==Appearances== ===In ''Mega Man'' video game series=== Zero debuted in ''[[Mega Man X (video game)|Mega Man X]]'' in 1993 and as a cameo appearance in ''[[Mega Man 2: The Power Fighters]]''. In the latter, he was revealed to have been originally created by [[Doctor Wily|Dr. Wily]] sometime during the [[Mega Man (original series)|''Mega Man'' series]]. Zero works as a Maverick Hunter, a soldier in charge of defeating Mavericks, robots who turned against humanity. He is [[X (Mega Man)|X]]'s comrade and best friend in the ''X'' series, and the two, later accompanied by [[List of Mega Man X characters#Axl|Axl]], fight [[Sigma (Mega Man X)|Sigma]], [[List of Mega Man X characters#Vile|Vile]], and other enemies. In the first two titles, he assists X during gameplay, but becomes a playable character in ''X3'', albeit limited in gameplay.<ref>{{cite video game |title=Mega Man X |developer=Capcom |publisher=[[Capcom]] |date=January 1994 |platform=Super NES |quote='''X:''' I guess I'm not powerful enough to defeat him... '''Zero:''' X, you shouldn't expect to defeat him; he is designed to be a war machine. Remember, you have not reached full power yet. If you use all the abilities you were designed with, you should become stronger...you may even become as powerful as I am.}}</ref> Zero debuts as a fully playable character in ''[[Mega Man X4]],'' where he fights the rebellious Repliforce and is forced to kill an old friend in the process, Iris.<ref>{{cite video game |title=Mega Man X4 |developer=Capcom |publisher=[[Capcom]] |date=September 1997 |platform=Sony PlayStation |quote='''Zero''': Iris, there's no world just for Reploids. It's only a fantasy. '''Iris''': Yes... I know... But I wanted to believe it! ... I wanted to live in a world where only Reploids exist...... with you.}}</ref> In his scenario, Zero is haunted by nightmares of a shadowy figure awakening him and giving him orders to destroy an unknown individual, and visions of ensuing carnage. Additionally, during his scenario, Sigma reminds him of when he led the Maverick Hunters and the encounter between the two that led to a vicious battle. In this battle, Sigma punched out the crystal on Zero's helmet, which later on caused Sigma to become infected with the Maverick Virus. Depending on the story development, Zero can be fought as a [[boss (video gaming)|boss character]] in ''[[Mega Man X5]]''.<ref name="CapcomProduction">{{cite video game |level=Unknown stage 3 |title=Mega Man X5 |developer=Capcom Production Studio 3 |publisher=Capcom |date=2000 |platform=PlayStation}}</ref> In ''[[Mega Man X6]]'', he is not initially present due to being presumed dead at the end of ''Mega Man X5'' during a fight against Sigma. However, he becomes an optional character depending on how the story develops throughout the game.<ref name="CapcomProduction_a">{{cite video game |level=Introduction |title=Mega Man X6 |developer=Capcom Production Studio 3 |publisher=Capcom |date=2001 |platform=PlayStation}}</ref> He is one of the two initial playable characters in ''[[Mega Man X7]]'', along with Axl, and also appears in ''[[Mega Man X8]]'' as a playable character along with X and Axl.<ref>{{cite video game|title=Mega Man X8 |developer=Capcom |publisher=[[Capcom]] |date=2003 |platform=PlayStation 2 |quote='''Zero:''' Well, don't let it get to you. Just becoming Sigma could hardly be called evolution. Anyway, X... Even if we Reploids are destined to join the scrap heap when that evolutionary step does comes about, we still have to fight... Not only against the Mavericks, but against our own destiny as well...}}</ref> In the spin-off title ''[[Mega Man Xtreme]]'', he is an assistant character but becomes playable in the sequel, ''[[Mega Man Xtreme 2]]''. He is also playable during the prologue and the last chapters from the [[role-playing video game]] ''[[Mega Man X: Command Mission]]''.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.siliconera.com/mega-man-x-dive-shows-off-x-and-a-mysterious-zero-in-latest-trailer/|title=Mega Man X DiVE Shows Off X and a Mysterious Zero in Its Latest Trailer|date=14 February 2020 |publisher=Silconera|access-date=December 25, 2022}}</ref> A mobile phone game, ''Mega Man X DiVE'', also features Zero as a playable character.<ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.siliconera.com/mega-man-x-dive-shows-off-x-and-a-mysterious-zero-in-latest-trailer/ |title=Mega Man X DiVE Shows Off X and a Mysterious Zero in Its Latest Trailer |date=14 February 2020 |publisher=Silconera |access-date=December 25, 2022}}</ref> The ''Mega Man Zero'' series features Zero as the title character. Set around 100 years after the ''X'' series,{{sfnp|Capcom|2008a|p=18}} he helps a scientist named Ciel fight the human city of Neo Arcadia, during which he destroys Omega - his original body, Dr. Weil, and Copy X, leader of Neo Arcadia, twice.{{sfnp|Capcom|2008a|pp=20-21}} He also makes an appearance in the ''ZX'' series as Model Z, who plays a minor supporting role in the plot in the [[Mega Man ZX|first ''ZX'' game]]. As well, he appears in ''[[Mega Man ZX Advent|ZX Advent]]'', but has an even smaller role, only having a few lines of dialogue. Zero's ''[[Mega Man Battle Network]]'' counterpart, Zero.EXE appears in ''[[Mega Man Network Transmission]]'' as the antagonist of the first half of the game. He later aids [[List of characters in the Mega Man Battle Network series#MegaMan.EXE|Mega Man]] against the true villain, The "Professor". Zero also reprises his role from the first game in three [[manga]]s by Iwamoto Yoshihiro,<ref>{{cite book|title=ロックマンX |year=2005 |isbn=978-4835441542 |author=Yoshihiro, Iwamoto|volume=1|publisher=Kodansha}}</ref><ref>{{cite book|title=ロックマンX2 |year=2005 |isbn=978-4835441559 |author=Yoshihiro, Iwamoto|volume=1|publisher=Kodansha}}</ref><ref>{{cite book|title=ロックマンX3 |year=2005 |isbn=978-4835441573 |author=Yoshihiro, Iwamoto|volume=1|publisher=Kodansha}}</ref> and the prequel ''Irregular Maverick Hunter X'' by Ikehara Shigeto.<ref>{{cite book|title=イレギュラーハンターロックマンX|year=1994|isbn=978-4063217261|author=Shigeto, Ikehara|volume=1|publisher=Capcom}}</ref> This version in the former is depicted as having full hair and is constantly taking off his helmet compared to the original games. ===Other appearances=== The ''Mega Man Zero'' version of Zero appears as a sub-boss in [[SNK]]'s [[Fictional crossovers in video games|crossover]] [[fighting game]] ''[[SNK vs. Capcom: SVC Chaos]]''<ref>{{cite book |author=Enterbrain staff |date=September 2003 |title=Enterbrain Nook Arcadia Extra Vol. 12 SNK vs. Capcom SVC Chaos Extreme Encounter |publisher=[[Enterbrain]] |language=ja |page=220 |isbn=978-4-7577-1618-6}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |author=IGN staff |date=2003-07-31 |title=Secret SNK vs Capcom Characters |url=http://ps2.ign.com/articles/431/431095p1.html |publisher=[[IGN]] |access-date=2012-01-29}}</ref> and as a hidden character in ''[[Onimusha Blade Warriors]]''.<ref>{{cite web |author=Alfonso, Andrew |title=Onimusha Guide & Walkthrough |url=http://guides.ign.com/guides/536091/page_4.html |publisher=[[IGN]] |access-date=January 31, 2012}}</ref> The ''Mega Man X'' version of Zero appears as a hidden character in ''[[Tatsunoko vs. Capcom: Ultimate All-Stars]]'' and as a playable character in ''[[Marvel vs. Capcom 3: Fate of Two Worlds]]'', ''[[Ultimate Marvel vs. Capcom 3]]'', ''[[Marvel vs. Capcom: Infinite]]'', and ''[[Teppen]]''.<ref name="ZeroandJoe">{{cite web |last=Bozon |first=Mark |date=2009-10-13 |title=Character Unveil: Tatsunoko vs. Capcom |url=https://www.ign.com/articles/2009/10/13/character-unveil-tatsunoko-vs-capcom?amp=1 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120530093125/http://wii.ign.com/articles/103/1034545p1.html |archive-date=May 30, 2012 |access-date=2009-10-13 |publisher=IGN}}</ref><ref name="Ciolek2010">{{cite web |url=http://www.animenewsnetwork.com/the-x-button/2010-11-17 |title=The X Button Yet More Heroes |last=Ciolek |first=Todd |publisher=[[Anime News Network]] |date=2010-11-17 |access-date=2010-11-17}}</ref> and as a pair unit with X in ''[[Project X Zone]]'' and its sequel ''[[Project X Zone 2]]''.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.siliconera.com/2015/04/12/project-x-zone-2-coming-west-fall/ |title=Project X Zone 2 Is Coming To The West This Fall |date=12 April 2015 |publisher=Siliconera |access-date=April 24, 2015}}</ref> In the ''Marvel vs. Capcom 3'' titles, Zero was chosen to represent the "Mega Man" franchise over Mega Man himself, as director Ryota Niitsuma thought he had more variation in his moves.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://spong.com/feature/10110305/Interview-Marvel-vc-Capcom-3-Producer-Ryota-Niitsuma |title=Interviews// Marvel vs. Capcom 3 Producer Ryota Niitsuma|date=January 24, 2011|access-date=February 9, 2011}}</ref> Zero also appears as a collectable trophy in ''[[Super Smash Bros. for Nintendo 3DS and Wii U|Super Smash Bros. for Wii U]]'', and as an Assist Trophy in ''[[Super Smash Bros. Ultimate]]''.<ref>{{Cite web |date=2023-09-24 |title=Super Smash Bros. Ultimate Switch Game Adds Simon, Richter, Chrom, Dark Samus, King K. Rool |url=https://www.animenewsnetwork.com/news/2018-08-08/super-smash-bros-ultimate-switch-game-adds-simon-richter-chrom-dark-samus-king-k-rool/.135236 |access-date=2023-09-24 |website=Anime News Network |language=en}}</ref> Both games feature a Mii Fighter costume based on Zero as downloadable content.<ref>{{Citation |title=Super Smash Bros. Ultimate - Mii Fighter Costumes #3 - Nintendo Switch |url=https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3U1HPmnz18Q |access-date=2023-09-24 |language=en}}</ref> Zero's appearances in the two manga series based on the ''Mega Man X'' series resemble his video game portrayal.<ref>{{cite book |author=Yoshihiro, Iwamoto|title=Rockman X|volume=1|publisher=Kodansha|year=1994|isbn=4-06-321704-3}}</ref><ref>{{cite book |author=Ikehara, Shigeto|title=Irregular Hunter Rockman X|volume=1|publisher=Kodansha|year=1994|isbn=978-4063217261}}</ref> However, in the ''Mega Man Zero'' manga, Zero is depicted as a Reploid having two personalities depending on his usage of a helmet: without his helmet he is portrayed as cowardly, whereas the other one resembles his video game counterpart.<ref>{{cite book |author=Kajima, Hideto|title=Rockman Zero|volume=1|publisher=Kokoro Comics|year=2004|isbn=978-4091431714}}</ref> Zero also makes guest appearances in the [[Mega Man (Archie Comics)|''Mega Man'' comic series]] by [[Archie Comics]], appearing in stories set shortly before the events of ''Mega Man X'' and as part of the "Worlds Unite" crossover event.<ref>{{Citation|title=What Happens When Sega and Capcom's Heroes Unite? - IGN|date=30 April 2015|url=https://www.ign.com/articles/2015/04/30/what-happens-when-sega-and-capcoms-heroes-unite|language=en|access-date=2020-08-14}}</ref> ==Conception and creation== [[File:Keiji Inafune - Japan Expo 13- 2012-0706- P1410048.JPG|thumb|upright|left|Keiji Inafune created Zero.]] Zero was created by designer [[Keiji Inafune]] when he was told to recreate Mega Man for a new series on the [[Super NES]], ''Mega Man X''. He wanted to design a Mega Man different from the original one.<ref name="bestdamn">{{cite journal|author=Hoffman, Chris |date=April 2004|title=The Best Damn Mega Man Feature. Period |url=https://archive.org/stream/UneditedPLAY_marktrade/PLAY_28u#page/n43/mode/2up|journal=[[Play (US magazine)|Play]] |volume=3 |issue=4}}</ref><ref name="GameSpot" /> However, Inafune realized afterwards that the character he created was too different from Mega Man's old appearance to be viewed positively by fans.<ref name="bestdamn"/> Deciding to let another designer work on the character that eventually became [[X (Mega Man)|X]] while he developed Zero, Inafune created the character intending him to be "the 'other main character' that would "steal all the good scenes".<ref name="GameSpot">{{cite web |date=2007-09-24 |url=http://www.gamespot.com/saturn/action/megamanx4/news_6179759.html |title=TGS '07: Mega Man celebrates 20th anniversary |author=Hirohiko, Niizumi |publisher=[[GameSpot]] |access-date=2009-09-13}}</ref> He further described Zero as representing the idea that "nothing is absolute", and circumstances can change anything. When asked if Zero had killed the cast of the original ''Mega Man'' titles, suspected due to their absence in the ''X'' series, he replied no, adding that given how he had designed the character, "Zero is not such a person--it is not in his profile."<ref name="Staff2008">{{cite web |title=Inafune-san Answers Your Questions! |author=Staff |work=Capcom Digital Downloads |publisher=[[Capcom]] |url=http://www.capcomdigital.com/blog/2008/09/05/inafunesan_answers_your_questions |access-date=2009-09-18 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20080910223907/http://www.capcomdigital.com/blog/2008/09/05/inafunesan_answers_your_questions |archive-date=2008-09-10 |date=2008-09-05}}</ref> Believing they were too similar in ''Mega Man X3'' (in which Zero could only be played as for part of each level), Capcom wanted Zero to be further distinguished from X for his first appearance as a fully playable character in ''Mega Man X4''. This resulted in the removal of his Z-Buster (his equivalent of X's X-Buster), leaving only his lightsaber-esque Z-Saber. This close-range combat weapon stood in stark contrast to X's projectile weapons. Due to the difficulty of playing as Zero, the vast majority of the developers were against that decision at first during ''Mega Man X4''. As a result, Zero was given special techniques (some of which hailed from the ''[[Street Fighter]]'' franchise) by defeating each boss, which resulted in the approval from the developers. In order to make Zero's story more engaging, Capcom created Iris, a female Reploid, believing it was a fresh idea not used in previous games in the series.<ref name="design">{{cite web |author=blackoak |url=http://shmuplations.com/megamanx4/ |title=Mega Man X4 – 1997 Developer Interview |website=Shmuplations |access-date=January 1, 2018}}</ref> Ever since the series started, Inafune wanted to add Dr. Wily to the story leading to the twist of ''Mega Man X4'' that reveals he created Zero to set the climax of the series.<ref>{{cite book|title=ロックマン 10年史 大事典|trans-title=Rockman 10 Years History Book|page=77|isbn=978-4061033184|publisher=Kodansha|year=1998}}</ref> The concept of Zero starring in his own series was proposed by Inafune.{{sfnp|Capcom|2008a|p=168}} Inafune proposed that Zero star in his own series, and planned to go forward with the idea at the end of ''Mega Man X5''. However, he was unable to after Capcom announced another ''Mega Man'' title without his involvement.<ref name="bestdamn"/> Designed by Toru Nakayama of [[Inti Creates]], Zero was meant to have a more "human feel" rather than the complete "mechanical feel" of the ''X'' series. Nakayama wanted the public to recognize that this series was different from the ''X'' series. Since [[Capcom]] wanted Zero's general structure to be the same, Inti-Creates concentrated on how different they could make him, rather than how similar.{{sfnp|Capcom|2008a|p=171}} Zero's depiction in the series was intended to be morally ambiguous and depend on the perspective, appearing as a hero from one point of view and a [[terrorist]] from another.{{sfnp|Capcom|2008a|p=175}} Ever since the series' beginning, Haruki Suetsugu was impressed by the handling of the relationship X and Zero had. From his point of view, X was a character who often makes mistakes in combat yet tries again in order to improve. As a result, the artist felt he could relate with X. X was written to be a "B class" Hunter in contrast to Zero being "Special A" rank. This allowed him the draw more frequently across the series.{{sfnp|Capcom|2008b|p=197}} Nevertheless, he regretted some of his illustrations as X lacked the cool appeal Zero originally had.{{sfnp|Capcom|2008b|p=188}} Based on his points of view from the original ''Mega Man X'', Higurashi wanted fans to see X and Zero as dark archetypes of heroes rather than typical ones.{{sfnp|Capcom|2008b|p=226}} Nevertheless, the developers were afraid of a negative backlash if the fans found X and Zero to be too different from their original personas.<ref name="guide">{{Cite book |date=September 15, 2004 |title=Mega Man X: Command Mission Official Strategy Guide |publisher=[[Brady Games]]|isbn=978-0-7440-0399-4}}</ref> Inafune drew inspiration for Zero from the arcade game, ''[[Strider (arcade game)|Strider]]'', a previous Capcom game. Inafune has stated that he has always liked the "world view" of ''Strider'' and modeled the name of Zero after one of its characters (reportedly, Solo).<ref>November 18, 2007. [http://game.watch.impress.co.jp/docs/20071118/rockman.htm Capcom, Holding of the Rockman 20th Anniversary Event. Keiji Inafune, New "Rockman" in Production] (Japanese). ''GameWatch''.</ref> ===Design=== [[File:Zero-mmz.png|thumb|In the ''Zero'' series, Zero was redesigned to look both sleeker and more human.]] Designed to be "harder and wilder" than the original Mega Man, Zero's design ultimately resembled X in several ways due to his initial character concept, Inafune's insistence on drawing the character, and input from other project artists.{{sfnp|Capcom|2008b|pp=205-207}} In the ''X'' series, Zero has red and white armor with twin "horns" on his helmet. This was found challenging to animate in ''Mega Man X4'' as the pixels are meant to be divided between his red armor and long blond hair.<ref name="design"/> Zero also has his signature long blonde hair. Starting with ''[[Mega Man X2]]'', Zero received a slight redesign. His shoulders were given plating with a "Z" symbol on his left shoulder, his armor was made to be slightly bulkier, and his chest and foot parts got additional gold plating. Zero also started wielding his signature weapon, the Z-Saber, an energy-based sword that introduced melee combat to the ''Mega Man'' games. His original, now secondary weapon is the Z-Buster, a cannon mounted at the end of his right arm, similar to X's X-Buster.{{sfnp|Capcom|2008b|p=259}} A tertiary weapon that would orbit around Zero was also considered, but left uncompleted. Unlike the original Mega Man, who had a full head of hair under his helmet, Zero has a smooth secondary helmet, intended to imply the characters were older.{{sfnp|Capcom|2008b|pp=205-207}} In ''Mega Man X4'', Zero was going to receive his own enhanced armor in the same way X does, but the development team decided not to finish it.<ref name="ultimatearmor">{{cite magazine |magazine=CFC Style Fan-Book CAP! |volume=4 |publisher=Capcom |author=Ariga, Hitoshi |date=Summer 1997 |title=X4 Original Mega Armor: The Untold Story |page=8 |language=ja}}</ref> In the ''Zero'' series, Zero sported a much more humanized and sleeker redesign. His mecha-inspired armor was eschewed for a red uniform consisting of a vest, gloves, and boots, while his arms and legs were more anatomically detailed. His Z-buster was no longer fused inside his hand, instead it was a handgun, Buster Shot, that fired energy bullets. The Z-Saber also became a triangular holographic blade, rather than a [[lightsaber]]-like weapon.{{sfnp|Capcom|2008a|p=141}} Early concept art featured Zero with solid-black, pupil-less eyes, though this changed to a normal set of eyes as development progressed.{{sfnp|Capcom|2008a|p=147}} Keisuke Mizuno designed Zero's Dive Armor for ''[[Mega Man X Dive]]''. It was designed based on the in-game armors and fused together. Mizuno thought it turned out to be quite innovative because the previous Zero looks did not have horns. Unlike the several armors X always wears, the ones from Zero proved to be challenging to design since Zero's regular form was made to be more complex than X's. As a result, Mizuno thought about the iconic parts of Zero, which parts symbolize Zero, and which parts are the most important and must be kept when the shape of his body changes. The head and the silhouette were the most important ones to create while also retaining the common colors. In order to make Zero Dive Armor more appealing, Mizuno made the character a dual-wielding fighter in the process.<ref>https://twitter.com/RX_DiVE/status/1554753954151485440</ref> ===Casting=== [[Ryōtarō Okiayu]] has been Zero's voice actor in the ''Mega Man X'' series since its fourth installment. He was grateful for the role he was given to do mostly in the crossover ''Project X Zone''.<ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.themmnetwork.com/blog?offset=1334707711000 |author=Amunshen|date=April 17, 2012 |title="X" and "Zero" on Their Roles in PXZ|website=The Mega Man Network |access-date=May 23, 2020|archive-date=June 27, 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200627172749/https://www.themmnetwork.com/blog?offset=1334707711000|url-status=dead}}</ref> Lucas Gilbertson stated that he did not think of Zero as a robot but instead as a swordsman, making his work enjoyable. While finding it challenging, Gilbertson liked yelling during recordings, something that was common in Zero's character. Another aspect the actor enjoyed was the staff member he worked with and thus expected to voice Zero in the future.<ref>{{cite web |publisher=Rock Man Corner |url=http://www.rockman-corner.com/2008/12/lucas-gilberston-answers-your-questions.html|title=Lucas Gilbertson Answers Your Questions! |access-date=May 23, 2020}}</ref> {{Clear}} ==Critical reception== Zero's character was met with positive critical response by publications for video games. [[Game Revolution]] called him "mysterious, [[androgynous]]" and compared him to [[Proto Man]] "with a ponytail".<ref name="Tackett2006">{{cite web |author=Tackett, Tim|date=2006-02-14|title=Mega Man X Collection Review|url=http://www.gamerevolution.com/review/ps2/mega-man-x-collection|url-status=dead|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120515213936/http://www.gamerevolution.com/review/mega-man-x-collection|archive-date=May 15, 2012|access-date=2009-09-13|publisher=[[Game Revolution]]}}</ref> Jeese Scheeden from [[IGN]] enjoyed his sword-wielding characters in the video games, describing him as an answer to the question of how Mega Man would fight if armed with a sword, and noted his fighting style as popular with gamers.<ref name="Schedeen2008">{{cite web |title=Top Videogame Sword Masters |publisher=[[IGN|IGN Entertainment]] |work=[[IGN]] |access-date=2009-09-13 |page=4 |url=http://stars.ign.com/articles/915/915789p4.html |author=Schedeen, Jesse |date=2008-10-02}}</ref> GameZone writer Michael Knutson praised the inclusion of Zero in the ''Mega Man X'' series, citing his playability as popular amongst series fans as it expanded the gameplay.<ref name="Knutson2006">{{cite web |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20070616045810/http://ps2.gamezone.com/gzreviews/r26873.htm|archive-date=2007-06-16 |url=http://ps2.gamezone.com/gzreviews/r26873.htm |title=Mega Man X Collection Review |publisher=GameZone |date=2006-01-10 |author=Knutson, Michael |access-date=2009-09-13}}</ref> [[GameSpot]] editors Christian Nutt and Justin Speer ''X3'' benefited from the addition of Zero as a limited playable character as previous games from the franchise only used both Mega Man and X.<ref name="gamespot2">{{cite web|url=http://www.gamespot.com/features/6076983/p-12.html|title=The History of ''Mega Man''|author1=Nutt, Christian|author2=Speer, Justin|date=November 6, 2003|work=[[GameSpot]]|publisher=[[CBS Interactive]]|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20091212164327/http://www.gamespot.com/features/6076983/p-12.html|archive-date=December 12, 2009 |url-status=live|access-date=December 26, 2010|name-list-style=amp|df=mdy-all}}</ref> In regards to Zero's powers, ''[[Game Informer]]'' claimed Zero had the best weaponry in ''X6'' based on the multiple extra abilities he had before defeating any boss character.<ref>{{cite magazine|url=https://www.gameinformer.com/b/features/archive/2013/03/21/building-the-perfect-mega-man-x.aspx |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130322184520/http://www.gameinformer.com/b/features/archive/2013/03/21/building-the-perfect-mega-man-x.aspx |url-status=dead |archive-date=March 22, 2013 |title=Building The Perfect Mega Man X|date=March 21, 2013|magazine=Game Informer|access-date=May 30, 2020}}</ref> Jeremy Parish from [[1UP.com]] stated that his appearance as a playable character with his own story in ''Mega Man X4'' by itself made it the best game in the ''X'' series.<ref name="Parish2006">{{cite web |url=http://www.1up.com/do/reviewPage?cId=3146893&did=1 |author=Parish, Jeremy |work=[[1UP.com]] |publisher=[[UGO Networks]] |access-date=2009-09-13 |date=2006-01-10 |title=Mega Man X Collection Review |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20100105220716/http://www.1up.com/do/reviewPage?cId=3146893&did=1 |archive-date=2010-01-05 }}</ref> [[GameSpot]] noted the contrast in his gameplay to that of X in ''Mega Man X4'' increased the difficulty of using him in the title.<ref name="East1997">{{cite web |url=http://www.gamespot.com/ps/action/megamanx4/review.html |title=Mega Man X4 Review |publisher=[[GameSpot]] |access-date=2009-09-13 |date=1997-11-12 |author=East, Mark}}</ref> Additionally, Brett Elston from [[GamesRadar]] credited Zero as one of the reasons the ''X'' series became so popular and that his own popularity within gamers earned him his own video game series.<ref name="Elston">{{cite web|author=Elston, Brett|date=June 30, 2008|title=The ultimate Mega Man retrospective |url=http://www.gamesradar.com/f/the-ultimate-mega-man-retrospective/a-2008062794557758069/p-7|access-date=2010-03-31 |publisher=GamesRadar}}</ref> GamesRadar also cited Zero's actors across the ''X'' series, finding the first from ''X4'', Wayne Doster, unappealing due to his infamous scene where he yells in front of the dead Iris. On the other hand, the site praised Yong Bosch's take on the character, believing it was likable.<ref name="gamesradar.com"/> The fandom in general found the scene where he yells "What am I fighting for?!" as one of the worst parts in voice acting in ''Mega Man'' history alongside some cutscenes from ''[[Mega Man 8]]'' to the point of calling it a "horror".<ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.destructoid.com/learn-why-the-voice-acting-from-mega-man-8-and-x4-was-so-bad-272168.phtml|publisher=Destructoid|title=Learn why the voice acting from Mega Man 8 and X4 was so bad|date=19 March 2014|access-date=January 1, 2019}}</ref> While reviewing ''[[Mega Man X: Command Mission]]'', 1UP.com criticized that his English voice acting makes him "sound like a surfer" and lamented his poor screentime.<ref name="Staff2004">{{cite web |url=http://www.1up.com/do/reviewPage?cId=3134859&did=1 |author=1UP Staff |work=[[1UP.com]] |publisher=[[UGO Networks]] |access-date=2009-09-17 |date=2004-09-23 |title=Mega Man X Command Mission (GameCube) |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20100105112629/http://www.1up.com/do/reviewPage?cId=3134859&did=1 |archive-date=2010-01-05 }}</ref> By the time of ''Mega Man X6'', ''[[Destructoid]]'' criticized Zero's role in the story as he had been killed twice ever since his debut and once again is revived. His closer relationship with X was also the subject of negative responses, comparing them to fanfictions.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.destructoid.com/weekly-kusoge-mega-man-x6-ps1-capcom/|title=Mega Man X6 PS1 Capcom|website=Destructoid|access-date=April 21, 2024}}</ref> IGN repeated their positive sentiments about Zero in their list of characters they wished to see appear in a future ''[[Marvel vs. Capcom (series)|Marvel vs. Capcom]]'' title, describing him as "arguably cooler than Mega Man", regardless of version in comparison.<ref name="Schedeen2009">{{cite web |title=Player's Wanted: Marvel vs. Capcom 3 |publisher=[[IGN|IGN Entertainment]] |work=[[IGN]] |access-date=2009-09-13 |page=1 |url=http://stars.ign.com/articles/975/975223p1.html |author=Schedeen, Jesse |date=2009-04-20}}</ref> ''[[PlayStation: The Official Magazine|PSM]]'' praised the character as well, stating "[he] might wear some funky shoes, but that doesn't stop him from kicking some robot butt".<ref name="Staff1997">{{cite magazine |magazine=[[PlayStation: The Official Magazine|PSM]] |issue=2 |page=58 |author=Staff |date=October 1997 |title=Mega Man X4 Review}}</ref> When compared with Zero, X was often seen as the less compelling character, with Zero being the more memorable of the two.<ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.siliconera.com/why-zero-is-cooler-than-mega-man-x-and-how-mega-man-2-was-made/ |website=Siliconera |access-date=December 25, 2022|title=Why Zero is Cooler than Mega Man X and how Mega Man 2 Was Made|date=September 2013 }}</ref><ref name="usgamer.net">{{cite web |url=https://www.usgamer.net/articles/the-most-interesting-mega-man-character-is-a-reploid-who-fell-in-love-with-a-human |title=The Most Interesting Mega Man Character is a Reploid Who Fell in Love with a Human |website=US Gamer |date=26 February 2020 |access-date=May 30, 2020 |archive-date=30 May 2020 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200530050251/https://www.usgamer.net/articles/the-most-interesting-mega-man-character-is-a-reploid-who-fell-in-love-with-a-human |url-status=dead}}</ref> His relationship with Iris has been regarded as that of a [[star-crossed]] due to the tragic story of ''Mega Man X4''.<ref>{{cite book |chapter=The Kiss in Stories, Real and Fictional |publisher=Semiotics and Popular Culture |author=Danesi, Marcel|title=The History of the Kiss! |year=2013 |pages=49–75 |doi=10.1057/9781137376855_3 |isbn=978-1-137-37684-8}}</ref> In regards to his ''Mega Man Zero'' incarnation, GameSpot believed the character's redesign was well employed based on his presentation.<ref>{{cite web|last=Tracy|first=Tim |date=October 1, 2002|title=Mega Man Zero Review |url=https://www.gamespot.com/amp-reviews/mega-man-zero-review/1900-2882128/|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140205175216/https://www.gamespot.com/reviews/mega-man-zero-review/1900-2882128/|archive-date=February 5, 2014|access-date=December 31, 2018|publisher=GameSpot}}</ref> IGN considered Zero's retake be like a [[breakout character]] due to how he develops his own skills unlike previous versions of the Mega Man cast.<ref>{{cite web|author=Lucas M. Thomas |date=July 8, 2010|title=MEGA MAN ZERO COLLECTION REVIEW |url=https://www.ign.com/articles/2010/07/09/mega-man-zero-collection-review|access-date=December 31, 2018 |publisher=IGN}}</ref> [[Destructoid]] simply described Zero as "a red death machine who uses pistols, lightsabers, shields, and multiple other melee weapons..." due to his dark characterization when compared with previous main characters.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.destructoid.com/review-mega-man-zero-collection-175956.phtml |title=Review: Mega Man Zero Collection|publisher=Destructoid|access-date=December 31, 2018}}</ref> Nevertheless, Nintendo Life noticed that across Zero's spin-off, the title Reploid continuously showed a [[character arc]] that would make him more likable to gamers, earning the spotlight for the first time based on how he was originally a side character.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.nintendolife.com/reviews/wiiu-eshop/mega_man_zero_gba|title=Mega Man Zero Review (Wii U eShop / GBA)|date=23 December 2014|publisher=Nintendo Life|access-date=December 31, 2018}}</ref> Similarly, [[US Gamer]] referred to Zero to have one of the more elaborated story arcs in the Mega Man franchise in general due to how he changes between the ''X'' series and the ''Mega Man Zero''. The writer further added that the apparent misrelationship between Zero and X before the revelation that the latter was a clone gone corrupted was one of the darkest things seen in Capcom's games due to the idea of Zero working to kill X, the former protagonist of the series.<ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.usgamer.net/articles/companions-through-life-and-death-time-and-again-the-story-of-inti-creates-and-mega-man|title=Companions Through Life and Death: The Story of Inti Creates and Mega Man|date=24 December 2015 |publisher=US Gamer|access-date=December 31, 2018|url-status=dead|archive-date=11 April 2019|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190411231544/https://www.usgamer.net/articles/companions-through-life-and-death-time-and-again-the-story-of-inti-creates-and-mega-man}}</ref> Zero's connections with the original ''Mega Man'' characters have been the subject of speculations within fans. As it is believed that Dr. Wily created Zero in the image of Protoman or the possibility that he was responsible for multiple deaths offscreen as it is unknown what happened to the original ''Mega Man'' cast, explaining their absence in the ''X'' storyline. In 2018, Capcom left clues about how Wily dies when creating Zero but the idea of Zero killing the ''Mega Man'' characters was negated.<ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.destructoid.com/mega-man-x-design-document-further-explains-the-zero-and-dr-wily-connection-487385.phtml |publisher=Destructoid|title=Mega Man X design document further explains the Zero and Dr. Wily connection |date=12 February 2018 |access-date=January 1, 2019}}</ref> ''GamesRadar'' regarded both X and Zero "crossover veterans" based on their multiple appearances and looked forward to their team up in ''Project X Zone'' where the duo teamed up for the first time in a crossover.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.gamesradar.com/project-x-zone-roster/|title=Project X Zone roster: Meet all 60 playable characters |website=GamesRadar|date=24 January 2013|access-date=May 30, 2020}}</ref> ''Game Informer'' considered X and Zero as one of his favorite characters in gaming, and thus wanted to play as them in ''Project X Zone 2''.<ref>{{cite magazine |url=https://www.gameinformer.com/games/project_x_zone_2/b/3ds/archive/2016/02/12/game-informer-project-x-zone-2-3ds-review.aspx |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160215055510/http://www.gameinformer.com/games/project_x_zone_2/b/3ds/archive/2016/02/12/game-informer-project-x-zone-2-3ds-review.aspx |url-status=dead |archive-date=February 15, 2016 |title=Project X Zone 2|magazine=Game Informer|access-date=May 31, 2020|date=February 12, 2016}}</ref> In a comparison of the three main characters from ''Mega Man X8'', Luthfie Arguby Purnomo from ''Studies on Shift'' noted that X's weapons symbolized his status as a cultural hybrid in contrast to the [[Western culture|Western]] Axl and the [[Eastern culture|Eastern]] Zero.<ref>{{cite book |last=Purnomo |first=Luthfie Arguby |year=2017 |title=STUDIES ON SHIFT: Game Localization and Subtitling |publisher=SFLA Purnomo, L Untari |isbn=9786026248695 |url=https://books.google.com/books?id=QbTbDwAAQBAJ&dq=mega+man+x+zero&pg=PA94}}</ref> ==Footnotes== {{Reflist|30em}} ==References== *{{cite book |author=Capcom |title=Mega Man Zero Official Complete Works |publisher=[[Udon Entertainment]] |year=2008a |isbn=978-1-897376-01-0}} *{{cite book |isbn=978-4-86233-178-6 |date=March 2008b |language=ja |title=R20 Rockman & Rockman X Official Complete Works |publisher=Udon Entertainment |author=Capcom}} {{Mega Man X}} {{Mega Man Zero}} {{Good article}} [[Category:Capcom protagonists]] [[Category:Cryonically preserved characters in video games]] [[Category:Characters designed by Keiji Inafune]] [[Category:Fictional swordfighters in video games]] [[Category:Fictional suicides]] [[Category:Fictional characters with post-traumatic stress disorder]] [[Category:Male characters in video games]] [[Category:Mega Man characters]] [[Category:Robot characters in video games]] [[Category:Robot superheroes]] [[Category:Fictional soldiers in video games]] [[Category:Video game bosses]] [[Category:Video game characters introduced in 1993]] [[Category:Video game characters who can teleport]] [[Category:Video game superheroes]] [[Category:Fictional androids]]'